Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Weakness and trouble standing in Miniature horses due to tick
By Trumpp, Kelsey M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2019·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Presumptive tick paralysis in 2 American Miniature horses in the United States.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two American Miniature horses were brought to the vet because they were getting weaker and one was unable to stand. The vet found several ticks on both horses, which can cause a rare condition called tick paralysis. After removing the ticks and treating them with a topical medication, both horses received supportive care, including fluids. Remarkably, within 48 hours of the tick removal, both horses were back to normal and showed no signs of weakness.
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Abstract
RATIONALE: Tick paralysis has not been reported in horses in North America. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Two American Miniature horses were examined for progressive weakness and recumbency. Numerous ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) were found on both horses. Horse 1 was recumbent (grade 5/5 gait deficit) on presentation, whereas Horse 2 was standing but ataxic (grade 4/5 gait deficit) and tetraparetic. Both horses had decreased tongue and tail muscle tone, and had normal spinal reflexes. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology was normal. Equine herpesvirus-1 testing was negative. PERTINENT INTERVENTIONS: Ticks were removed within 24 hours of presentation. Both horses were treated topically with permethrin. Supportive care included fluid therapy, treatment for corneal ulceration, and frequent repositioning during recumbency. OUTCOME: Within 48 hours of tick removal, both horses were neurologically normal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ours is the first reported case of presumptive tick paralysis in horses in North America. Although rare, tick paralysis should be considered in horses presented with acute-onset weakness progressing to recumbency.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31161701/